Some bands just don’t get the credit or recognition that they deserve. Some bands are perhaps not seeking such recognition and are quite happy just playing music and enjoying playing music. It doesn’t make them any less hard working, or driven, it just means that they actually care more about playing music together than anything else. And ultimately, if you don’t enjoy what you are doing then why do it? Since joining Woodenbox, I’ve rediscovered that love of playing live and the enjoyment you get from playing with a group of guys who just love playing above all else. It’s a great feeling. And it’s something that is so obvious when watching a band perform. It oozes from stage and I think it’s quite infectious. It’s a feeling I got yesterday when I was watching The Stormy Seas play the outdoor stage at the Peartree beer garden.

The Stormy Seas are, by all accounts, one of these bands that seem to just love playing music. They are also one of these bands who seem to be criminally over looked within a music scene perhaps not geared to their edgy traditional Scottish folk music. They remind me a little of early Foxface. Perhaps that is just me though. Anyways, their music has a raw aggression to it, which is ironic given that I can’t think of a nicer bunch of lads. Michael Tovey has a really special voice, which stands out whether as a lead vocal or providing backing vocals. And that’s something the Stormy Seas do so well; the interaction of the lead vocals with some brilliant backing ‘chanting’ and singing. Regardless of what people say, this is straight up Scottish folk music. Not the “cool” kind of folk music either. But it’s brilliant and it’s refreshing. The song ‘Slow Dance’ is a particular favourite of mine. Anyways, they definitely deserve to receive more attention than they do, whether they want it or not. I certainly get the feeling that these lads just love music whether it’s watching, playing or just being part of the whole community and at the end of the day, that’s the way it should be. I for one though am looking forward to them releasing some material in the future. Hurry up lads eh! Enjoy